What are the Most Common Conditions That Qualify For Disability Benefits?
If you have one or more physical or mental conditions that keep you from working, we will work to get you approved for benefits. While Social Security will consider any and all medical conditions that restrict your ability to function, they have released a list of the most common disabilities that are cited on approved SSDI applications. It is important to note that most people who are approved for disability benefits have multiple physical and mental conditions that impact their ability to work in various ways.
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If you are unable to work, whether your condition is on this list or not, we would like to try to help you get benefits. You can take the first step by calling our office for a free initial consultation.
- Arthritis / Musculoskeletal disabilities
Arthritis, carpal tunnel and other muscle and skeletal disabilities are present in the largest number of disability claims. These are typically situations where the person is unable to stand or walk for long periods of time or is unable to perform repeated motions like reaching, handling objects, or bending. - Heart Disease
One of the leading causes of death in the United States, heart disease also causes limitations that restrict a person’s ability to work, including chest pain and shortness of breath with exertion. - Degenerative Disc Disease
The spinal system is extremely fragile. DDD and other disorders of the spine impact a person’s ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, and perform other work-related functions. Spine disorders can also be extremely painful and a person suffering with one may be in so much pain that they cannot focus or concentrate on work. - Respiratory Illness
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is one common respiratory illness that can qualify a worker for disability. Workers in some occupations may actually develop COPD due to poor conditions in their work environment. COPD also causes shortness of breath that makes it difficult to walk or exert yourself on the job. - Mental Illnesses
Many people suffer from mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD that limit their ability to maintain focus or interact with others. Even if your mental health disorder is not totally disabling, it can impact your ability to perform certain jobs, so it’s important to list all mental health diagnoses on a disability application. - Cancer
Cancer is another massive category of medical conditions that may cause restrictions that keep a person from working. Generally speaking, if your cancer is advanced to Stage III or IV you may be eligible. However, there are some cancers that are considered so serious that simply a diagnosis can be enough to qualify. - Stroke
While having a stroke is a relatively common occurrence for aging Americans the post-stroke recovery range is enormous. Some people recover from their stroke completely without any last side effects while others may struggle to regain memory, speech, and mobility. - Nervous System Disorders
These disorders include epilepsy and cerebral palsy, both of which can be very limiting to an individual's work prospects. - Diabetes
On its own, diabetes is not a qualifying condition; millions of Americans manage both type one and type two diabetes and work every day. However, if complications from diabetes have an effect on your daily life you may qualify. Common complications from diabetes that will be considered in a disability case include neuropathy (numbness and tingling in the hands and feet); fatigue; impaired kidney function; and changes in vision. - Immune System Disorders
Viruses like HIV or other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis may limit a person’s ability to work.
Free Consultation for All Qualifying Conditions for Disability Benefits
If you are unable to work and trying to qualify for disability benefits, calling The Clarkson Firm is a great first step. We can help you submit your initial application, work through a denied claim, or just answer your questions about the Social Security Disability Insurance process.